(Senior) HR Business Partner

Role summary/purpose of job

The purpose of this role is to provide business partnering support from an operational and strategic perspective to aligned groups. This will include providing guidance on HR policies and practices, HR initiatives, resolving queries and issues and delivering a first-class service to our people.

You will be working closely with partners, line managers and BS colleagues, acting as a trusted advisor to ensure that the people agenda is reflected in all business decisions. You will work closely with colleagues across the wider HR team.

All advice and support will require the firm’s core values of embracing challenge, promoting collaboration, and redefining experience and its commitment to our core people priorities to be at its heart. 

Key responsibilities and deliverables

HR Advisory and business improvement:

• Collaborate with business leaders within aligned groups to understand key business objectives and define, design and deliver HR solutions;
• Partner with business leaders and line managers to develop and implement business improvement and change programmes, as well as related policies and processes, in response to evolving needs;
• Act as a primary and trusted point of contact for both lawyers and employees on HR matters (maternity, conflicts, departures…);
• Monitor business and people performance, analyse relevant HR data, and provide insights and recommendations to business leaders regarding people-related risks;
• Build and maintain strong business relationships by giving professional advice and acting as a trusted advisor;
• Keep abreast of latest trends in the profession, developments within the network and the wider market, and propose initiatives to maintain Freshfields as an employer of choice;
• Promote efficient and effective ways of working and encourage continuous improvement.

Talent management and development:

• Contribute to the development of Talent plans (resourcing, succession, development) for designated areas and deliver agreed actions.
• Ensure recruitment needs are met, and that the firm’s employer brand is effectively promoted;
• Lead the implementation of the school and university relationships strategy (job fairs, student events…);
• Participate in regular resource planning and succession discussions to proactively identify gaps and develop short- and long-term solutions;
• Support the identification and development of key talent to enable individuals to reach their full potential and support business objectives;
• Support the assessment and consolidation of development needs within designated groups;
• Manage the secondment programme and liaise with the Global Mobility team to oversee related processes.

Engagement and communication:

• Partner with the Head of HR and business leaders to support and communicate initiatives aimed at improving employee engagement;
• Participate in management meetings of designated groups;
• Facilitate effective communication and knowledge sharing between departments, the HR team and HR Shared Services;
• Attend and contribute to relevant meetings, providing HR advice and support as appropriate;
• Deliver HR-related components of the induction programme to enhance the new joiner experience.

  Performance and reward:

• Advise and coach business leaders to strengthen performance capability;
• Provide guidance and support on decision-making while ensuring objectivity and fairness;
• Promote a culture of continuous feedback, development and recognition within designated groups;
• Manage the appraisal, salary and bonus review processes, coordinating with all relevant stakeholders;
• Collaborate with HR colleagues to ensure data accuracy and the successful and timely delivery of annual pay and bonus review processes.

Employee relations:

• Work with the Head of HR to manage complex performance, disciplinary and grievance matters;
• Manage long-term sickness cases, liaising with relevant support services and supporting people managers as needed.
• Ensure HR policies and processes are effective, compliant with firm standards and aligned with local regulations;
• Stay up to date with employment legislation and employee relations best practices, and provide expert guidance to managers.

Data and management reporting:

• Produce and use management reports to support informed business decisions-making;
• Leverage data to identify trends and highlight key people-related priorities;
• Ensure compliance with GDPR and maintain high standards of data integrity.

Diversity & Inclusion

• Support the development and implementation of the firm’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) strategy across designated groups;
• Partner with business leaders to promote an inclusive culture that values diversity and fosters a sense of belonging;
• Contribute to the design and delivery of DE&I initiatives, including awareness programmes, training and events;
• Monitor diversity metrics and provide insights to support data-driven actions and continuous improvement;
• Ensure inclusive practices are embedded across all HR processes (e.g. recruitment, talent development, performance management);
• Act as an advocate for diversity and inclusion, providing guidance and challenge where appropriate.

Key requirements (Communication/skills/experience)

Essential

• A graduate with business or HR qualifications
• Work experience of at least 6/7 years in a similar role
• Fluent in English
• Demonstrates an understanding of the commercial realities of the international modern law firm and of the firm’s business objectives whilst remaining sensitive to the various cultural differences that exist
• Excellent organisational and analytical skills, with strong attention to detail and an ability to set priorities and meet multiple deadlines under pressure with a flexible and professional approach 
• Highly effective interpersonal and influencing skills and an ability to build credibility and quickly develop strong professional relationships with key stakeholders and work effectively in the people-sensitive environment of a partnership
• Ability to work autonomously within a demanding environment and maintain the highest professional standards, personal integrity, and confidentiality
• Strong work ethic; a high energy and highly motivated team player
• Resilience, listening and proactive

Desirable

• A graduate with labour law qualifications
• Strong Excel skills and proficient with HR databases and systems
• Relevant experience in a legal or professional services environment, but the firm will equally consider candidates from other areas providing they can demonstrate an understanding and aptitude for a partnership environment